The second leg of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 third qualifying round between Club Brugge (Belgium) and Salzburg (Austria) will take place on August 12 at the Jan Breydel Stadium. The score of the first match was 1-0 in favor of Club Brugge. Club Brugge vs. Salzburg: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Club Brugge
Nicky Hayen's side won the first match against the Austrians 1-0. Notably, prior to this encounter, the team had conceded in five consecutive Champions League matches. The Belgians have shown uncompromising results in this tournament, winning three and losing three of their last six games. To advance to the next round, Club Brugge only needs to avoid defeat in the return match. If the club loses by a minimal margin, extra time will follow.
- The team has scored exactly 1 or 2 goals in 9 of their last 12 Champions League matches.
- At home in this tournament, the Belgians have not lost in 4 of their last 5 matches (3 wins, 1 draw).
- Club Brugge has conceded in 6 of their last 8 home games in the Champions League.
Predicted lineup for Club Brugge (4-3-3)
Simon Mignolet – Brandon Mechele, Bjorn Meijer, Jorne Spileers, Joaquín Sosa – Raphael Onyedika, Hans Vanaken, Ludovit Reis – Christos Tzolis, Romeo Vermant, Hugo Vetlesen.
Salzburg
The defeat in the last match was the team's fifth in their last seven Champions League outings (1 win, 1 draw). The Austrians have conceded in 12 consecutive games in this tournament. Salzburg failed to score for the first time in 5 Champions League matches. To advance to the playoff round, Thomas Lech's side needs to win by at least two goals. In the previous Champions League campaign, the club achieved only two victories, both by the required margin.
- Both teams scored in 4 of Salzburg's last 5 Champions League matches.
- Away from home, Salzburg has failed to win in 13 of their last 17 Champions League matches (5 draws, 8 losses).
- The team has scored in 5 of their last 7 away games in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Salzburg (4-4-2)
Alexander Schlager – Stefan Lainer, Kwaku Gadu, Jacob Rasmussen, Frans Krätzig – Mads Bidstrup, Maurits Kjærgaard, Sota Kitano, Soumaila Diabaté – Nene Dorgeles, Yorbe Vertessen.
Referee
Irfan Peljto (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Matches – 17 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 64;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.8;
Red cards shown – 5;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 59%.
Match Prediction: Club Brugge vs. Salzburg
In the return leg, the Belgians need to maintain their advantage, and playing at home should be one of their main assets. At home in the last Champions League campaign, the team did not lose in 4 out of 6 matches (3 wins, 1 draw). The defeats came against Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa, both of whom reached the quarter-finals.
Salzburg needs a win, but they rarely achieve this away in the Champions League. In their last 17 away matches in the competition, the club has only 4 victories (5 draws, 8 losses). Additionally, in the previous tournament, the Austrians played seven away matches, conceding a total of 18 goals.
The visitors will have to push forward, which, given their defensive issues, will provide the resilient Belgians with opportunities to score. My prediction: Club Brugge will not lose and Total Over 1.5
